- Aran Bike Hire is located at the end of the pier in Kilronan.
- Cycling to Dun Aonghasa takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
- Daily Rental cost €20 per Adult bike, and €10 per kids bike.
- Helmets and maps provided, free of charge.
- Book online to reserve your bicycle.
Inishmore is the largest of the three Aran Islands, located just off the coast of Galway in Ireland. The island is home to a variety of historical and natural sights, making it a popular destination for tourists. Renting a bicycle is the most popular way to see all that Inis Mor has to offer. Here’s what you can expect when renting a bicycle on Inishmore.
Bicycle Rental Pickup
Aran Bike Hire is the largest bike hire on Inishmore, and has the greatest selection of bicycles to choose from. Aran Bike Hire is located at the end of the pier in Kilronan.
Bicycle Route
The most popular route to cycle on Inishmore is to cycle over the main road and return via the coast road. The main road has five hills and the coast road is relatively flat. The most popular sites to see by bike are Dun Aonghasa, the Wormhole, the Seven Churches, Kilmurvy beach, the seal colony and the shops in Kilronan village.
Dun Aonghasa
Dun Aonghasa is the most popular attraction on Inis Mor. Located on edge of a 300ft cliff on the south side of the island, it is a 3,000-year-old semicircular stone fort which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with amazing views that stretch the length of the island. Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a “chevaux-de-frise” which consists of densely populated, jagged limestone rocks which were set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. The fort is located about 900m from the Visitor Centre, and is accessed by hiking over rising ground over rough terrain and loose rocks, so hiking shoes or good walking shoes are advised. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff so please be careful.
The Wormhole
The Worm Hole or Poll na bpeist has become a very popular attraction on Inis Mor since the Red Bull Cliff Diving was held there in 2015 and 2017. The Worm Hole is a naturally formed rectangular shaped pool located on the South side of the island. Please do not swim in the Wormhole as it is extremely dangerous.
The Seven Churches
Situated in the west of Inis Mór in the village of Eoghanacht, The Seven Churches or Na Seacht dTeampaill in Gaelic, was one of the biggest monastic foundations and centres of pilgrimage along the west coast of Ireland. Breacan is believed to have come here in the earliest period from Kilbrecan near Quin in County Clare. Tradition on the island has it that his foundation rivalled St Enda’s foundation in the east of the island. Indeed, the two saints are held to have eventually agreed to divide the island between them. Although termed ‘the seven churches’ there are in fact only two churches to be found today.
Inishmore Seal Colony
The seal colony is located on the coast road approximately one mile from Kilmurvy beach. The Seal Colony is clearly signposted and has picnic tables on site, so bring a lunch and make use of the available tables and chairs to enjoy it in the beautiful surroundings. The best views of the seals is best at low tide when the seals are sun bathing on the rocks. Conversely, at high tide, the seals are much harder to spot as you can only see their heads in the water. At low tide at the Inishmore seal colony, you can spot anywhere from 5 – 20 seals at a time.
Kilronan village
Kilronan is the main village on Inishmore, and is where the ferry terminal is located. There’s one ATM on Inishmore, that is located in the SPAR Supermarket in Kilronan. The SPAR Supermarket has all the necessities for a great picnic to enjoy while exploring Inishmore. Kilronan is a great place to find some souvenirs from Inishmore as there are multiple craft shops located in the village.
Bicycle Rental Cost
Aran Bike Hire charge €20 per adult bike and €10 per kids bicycle per day. Aran Bike Hire also rent tandems, Electric bikes, child seats, tag alongs, and buggies. To avoid disappointment, we highly recommend you book online.
FAQ’s
Q: What happens if I get a flat tire or breakdown?
A: Aran Bike Hire have a breakdown service and will replace your bike free of charge.
Q: How long does it take to cycle to Dun Aonghasa?
A: It takes between 20-30mins to cycle to Dun Aonghasa. There is a bicycle park at the base of the fort, beside the visitor center. Everyone must walk from the visitor center up to the fort, which takes 15-20mins.
Q: How long does it take to cycle to the Wormhole?
A: It takes approximately 20-30mins to cycle to the end of the road to the Wormhole. It takes an additional 10-15mins to walk to the Wormhole itself.
Q: How long should I spend on Inishmore?
A: We recommend you spend at least one night on Inishmore. Although you can see most of the main attractions in one day, the evenings, sunsets and nightlife on Inishmore is not to be missed. For information on accommodation click here.